The Linen Is Cleansed In A Churn-Like Machine Moved By Steam, And
Wrung By A Novel Application Of The
Principle of centrifugal force; after
which the articles are dried by being passed through currents of hot air,
so that
They are washed and ironed in the space of a few minutes. The
charge varies from six to ten shillings a dozen. There are also suites of
hot and cold baths, and barbers' shops.
Before I understood the mysteries of these hotels, I used to be surprised
to see gentlemen travelling without even carpet-bags, but it soon appeared
that razors and hair-brushes were superfluous, and that the possessor of
one shirt might always pass as the owner of half a dozen, for, while
taking a bath, the magic laundry would reproduce the article in its
pristine glories of whiteness and starch. Every attention to the comfort
and luxury of the guest is paid at American House, and its spirited
proprietor, Mr. Rice, deserves the patronage which the travelling public
so liberally bestow upon him. On ringing my bell it was answered by a
garcon, and it is rather curious seldom or never to see a chambermaid.
CHAPTER VI.
A suspected bill - A friend in need - All aboard for the Western cars - The
wings of the wind-American politeness - A loquacious conductor - Three
minutes for refreshments - A conversation on politics - A confession - The
emigrant car - Beauties of the woods - A forest on fire - Dangers of the
cars - The Queen City of the West.
I rose the morning after my arrival at five, hoping to leave Boston for
Cincinnati by the Lightning Express, which left at eight. But on
summoning the cashier (or rather requesting his attendance, for one
never summons any one in the States), and showing him my hill of
exchange drawn on Barclay and Company of London, he looked at me, then
at it, suspiciously, as if doubting whether the possessor of such a
little wayworn portmanteau could he the bonā fide owner of such a sum as
the figures represented. "There's so much bad paper going about, we can't
possibly accommodate you," was the discouraging reply; so I was compelled
patiently to submit to the detention.
I breakfasted at seven in the ladies' ordinary, without exchanging a
syllable with any one, and soon after my kind friend, Mr. Amy, called upon
me. He proved himself a friend indeed, and his kindness gave me at once a
favourable impression of the Americans. First impressions are not always
correct, but I am happy to say they were fully borne out in this instance
by the uniform kindness and hospitality which I experienced during my
whole tour. Mr. Amy soon procured me the money for my bill, all in five-
dollar notes, and I was glad to find the exchange greatly in favour of
England. He gave me much information about my route, and various cautions
which I found very useful, and then drove me in a light "waggon" round the
antiquated streets of Boston, crowded with the material evidences of
prosperity, to his pretty villa three miles distant, in one of those
villages of ornamental dwelling-houses which render the appearance of the
environs of Boston peculiarly attractive.
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